4 dead bodies recovered from Washington County floodwaters

Four bodies recoverd after flood

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Texas – Major flooding struck Washington County on May 26, resulting in the death of four people.

All of the bodies have since been recovered.

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Lela Holland, 64, died inside her home after numerous rescue attempts proved to be unsuccessful.

Jimmy Schaeffer, 49, died after he drove his truck into high water. Witnesses said he was able to get in the truck's bed, but he was later swept away by the rising water. His body was found near Prairie Hill Road and Kuykendall Creek.

Darren Mitchell, 21, was found off SH 105 near Kuykendall Creek. Mitchell was a National Guardsman from Navasota.

Pyarali Unatiya, 59, of College Station, was found on Saturday afternoon in Yegua Creek. Umatiya was last seen around 6:45 a.m. Friday morning near FM 50 and Devault Lane, where his vehicle stalled in high water.

Fifty-eight county roads are currently closed due to water or damage. Several bridges and culverts sustained significant damage and are out as well.

Due to the road closures, an unknown number of residents are isolated at this time and approximately 2,000 residents are without electricity.

Both Sheriff Otto Hanak and State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst took part in search and rescue operations and have met victims’ families. Right now there are approximately 20 people being sheltered at the Brenham Fireman’s Training Center, however, there are plans to close it later today if possible.

“Our prayers go out to the families of these flood victims,” said Kolkhorst. “The floods have been devastating to life and property as I viewed both Burleson and Washington Counties from the DPS aircraft this afternoon. We owe a great deal of gratitude to first responders, law enforcement, city, county road and bridge staffs along with TXDOT personnel who have worked tirelessly since Thursday afternoon. I urge extreme caution to everyone traveling on roadways until repairs can be made which days and even weeks. We must exercise caution and patience because we have already lost too many lives.”

County and state roadway officials are aware of damage to roadways and roadway structure and will work until all roads are open and safe to travel.